BMW5 Series Touring (G31) 2017 - 2020

　　BMW launched the station wagon version of the 5 Series seventh generation in February 2017, just a month after it released its sedan sibling at the North American International Auto Show.

　　When the German automaker introduced the 5 Series nameplate in its inventory in 1972, it didn’t offer it with a station wagon version. BMW introduced this family-oriented version only two decades later, for the third generation of this moniker. The car enjoyed great success, and thanks to a few M-powered versions, customers have started to love it. Then, in 2017, the German car manufacturer launched the G30 5 Series (sedan) and the G31 (estate), which was traditionally named Touring. It continued the same design language introduced by the previous F10/F11 generation of the 5 Series. As a result, the car could be considered more of an evolution rather than a revolution. Moreover, it carried over some of the engines and other underpinnings. BMW built the car based on the same CLAR platform used by the 7 Series and the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

　　One of the most significant technical upgrades to the car was noticed at the front, where BMW installed standard LED headlights across the range. The bi-xenon headlamps were no longer available. In addition, these new units were slimmer and featured sharper lines, creating a sportier look for the vehicle. Depending on the options, the kidney grille was available either with a chromed surrounding or with black trims. BMW offered the 5 Series with a standard bumper that featured slim LED fog lamps and a broad air intake. In addition, it included an M-package on the options list. This enhanced the front look of the vehicle with broader side scoops on the lower bumper.

　　From its profile, the G31 continued BMW’s idea of creating a sporty-looking estate, even though it meant that it had to diminish the trunk’s space. Up to the B-pillar, the 2017 5 Series Touring shared its components with its G30 sedan sibling. But the extended roof above the rear passengers, up to the trunk compartment, differentiated these two brothers. Furthermore, it added a third row of windows between the rear doors and the D-pillars. Finally, at the back, the raked-forward tailgate featured an independently open rear window. Customers could easily open it to store smaller items in the trunk.

　　Inside, BMW installed a dashboard that carried over a few ideas from its smaller brother, the 3 Series. It featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen atop the center stack, powered by a new iDrive infotainment system. This new unit introduced the gesture-control system, which allowed customers to change music and radio stations, increase or decrease volume, and perform a few other actions just by waving their hands in front of the screen. In the back, the automaker installed a split-folding (40/20/40) bench seat where three passengers could sit. When the rear seatback was completely folded down, the trunk space increased from 570 liters (20.1 cu-ft) to 1,700 liters (60 cu-ft). As an option, customers could order the G31 with a two-piece panoramic glass roof, which could open. This feature was unavailable on the sedan version of the 5 Series.

　　Under the hood, BMW installed a wide choice of turbodiesel, gasoline, and hybrid drivetrains. These were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which was enhanced over the one installed on the previous 5 Series. Furthermore, power went to the rear or all corners, depending on the grade and options.

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